Blood Floweret

« Chapter Seventeen »

She gulped, rather nervously. 

She stood at the edge of the training field, watching the strong warriors of Aloysius train. They were impressive to watch, their moves almost a blur, and they obviously knew exactly how to defeat their opponent in five seconds flat. She had to admit, she was feeling outmatched. Most of these warriors had started at a young age and she had never gotten the chance. 

She didn't know the basics. She had wanted Fabian to teach her but they never got the chance. She crossed her arms over her chest, maybe she would wait before jumping in with these warriors. They were almost intimidating with all their muscle and strength. She amounted to as much as a grain of dirt in regards to them. It was no wonder Aloysius was so capable of taking over the country, they had strength in numbers, and yet she knew they still had good hearts. Every single one of them because they had an incredibly fair Alpha. 

She just didn't want to be embarrassed. Her cheeks grew warm, thinking about it all. Still, she admired her mate. He didn't have a wolf but he matched their skill almost effortlessly as a human. He really had been training hard. She was most definitely impressed with him, as he would glance over his shoulder occasionally to make sure she saw him. She rolled her eyes. 

Beta Alvarez came off the field to join her with a grin, "So, I suppose the offer to train with your mate was better than mine, eh?" He teased, taking a gulp of water.

She looked at him, "Well, no," She paused, thinking about her words, "I just...wasn't in the right mind at Harrow. No offense." 

"None taken," Alvarez laughed, "You'll still come to visit, right? I still have better defense techniques." 

She almost rolled her eyes, remembering the conversation he and Leroy had at dinner, and she said, "Of course I'll come to visit and I would love to train with you." 

Alvarez grinned, his dimples showing, "Fantastic. So what do you think? Ready to join them out there?" He nodded to the warriors. 

She gulped, "Uh...I don't know." 

"Nonsense," Alvarez politely took her hand, "You can't be scared to try someone new because you never know if you'll be good at it unless you try." 

She was all nerves at this point and Alvarez led her directly into the center of the field. She glanced around but she felt slightly relieved when everyone seemed to stay focused and their eyes weren't glued to her. She didn't want attention on herself. 

"Excuse me," Cassius suddenly appeared, butting in, "This is my mate, all mine. I train her." 

"Sharing is caring," Alvarez teased, which Cassius punched his arm playfully, "Nah, come on, let me get her started with the basics at least. You'll have more time than I will because she lives here." 

Cassius rolled his eyes, grumbling under his breath, and then he relented, "Fine. If she's hurt, I'll shave your entire head." 

Alvarez fake-saluted, "Copy that." 

Cassius looked between the two of them for a long moment before he sighed and headed back to his sparring buddy. She watched as the guys tackled him, most likely teasing him to death, and she chuckled a little before turning to face Alvarez. 

"Alright, where do you stand?" He asked. 

She rose her eyebrows, "Uh...I don't know." 

"No, Val, I mean, like what do you know already?" Alvarez explained softly.

"Oh," Her cheeks flamed, "Nothing really. I never got to train like the others. They made me an outcast pretty young." 

Alvarez didn't even judge, he just said, "The basics, then, don't worry. They are pretty easy and you'll be a master before tomorrow." 

And he stuck to his word. Alvarez was used to training young, inexperienced warriors, and his techniques reflected that. He never got angry with her when she didn't understand and he demonstrated every move, watching with nods as she did her best to copy him. Slowly, she started to memorize the steps, the body positions, and the reflexes came naturally. 

It was probably a good few hours before they finally stopped, after a short practice spar that she figured she did half-good with. Alvarez never hit hard or struck her down, even when she missed a defense, and she found herself growing determined to get him back. They stood together, panting, and Cassius had been secretly watching with a wide grin. 

"You are definitely a natural!" Alvarez high-fived her, "That was a good practice spar!" 

"Thanks," She panted. 

"That's good enough for today," Alvarez continued, "But tomorrow, if you're up to it, I think we'll match you up with a sparring buddy." 

Her heart almost stopped, "Oh, I'm definitely not good--" 

"You are phenomenal," Cassius cut in, walking into their conversation, and he said, "I think Eli would make a good partner. He's only a few years younger than you." 

"Read my mind," Alvarez laughed. 

"Who is Eli?" She asked. 

"Eli!" Cassius shouted and she jumped. 

Soon enough, a young warrior emerged from the moving sea of warriors. She faintly recognized him, from the first day she arrived, and she noticed freckles across his nose as he came closer. He seemed friendly enough, maybe she wouldn't feel so bad about making a fool of herself. 

"Eli," Cassius slung his arm around the boy, "This is my mate, Val." 

"Nice to meet you," Eli offered a small, friendly smile. His features were very boyish. 

"Same to you," She said.

"We think you guys would make a good team for sparring," Alvarez explained, grinning proudly at her, and then looking at Eli for his reaction. 

"But, you have to go easy," Cassius blurted out, "She's just started with the basics but she's really good. I don't want to see a single bruise or cut, not even a hair on her head--" 

Alvarez slapped the back of Cassius' head, "Alright, overprotective mother hen, he gets it. Nobody is gonna hurt your mate, we respect her more than you." 

Cassius scowled. 

Eli snickered but after a glare from Cassius, he sobered and gave her another smile, "It would be an honor to train with you, Val, I look forward to it." After being dismissed, Eli returned from the direction he came. 

Alvarez sighed, "He's a good kid. Ever since he lost his dad, he's poured his heart and soul into following in his footsteps. He's really talented but don't worry, he'll match your pace." 

She felt relieved, "He seems really nice." 

Cassius grumbled under his breath. She poked his ribs and the corner of his lips quirked as he looked at her. She never expected him to become so overprotective but she found it very entertaining. He would always have her back and she could definitely get used to that. 

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

This is so wholesome. 

Do we remember Eli? Elijah's son? I know it's been a while but I've been bringing this young warrior along discreetly through the books. Remember Eli sparred with Reeve? Yeah, I love to bring all these characters around in full swing. May even have a friendship blossom between Val and Eli... I haven't decided yet ;)

Also, Merry Christmas Eve! It's pouring rain for me... kinda a real holiday bummer. I still have so many gifts to wrap but here I am--writing my way through the morning *sheepish grin*